SHEIKH GUMI WARNS TINUBU, SAYS END US MILITARY COOPERATION OVER TERROR BOMBINGS

By Olaywiola Ibrahim // Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States following reports of US airstrikes.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Friday, Gumi cautioned that American involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security situation and erode the country’s sovereignty.

While acknowledging that Islam permits the fight against terrorism, the cleric argued that such efforts must be carried out by clean hands, insisting that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead counterterrorism operations due to its global military history.

Gumi said Nigeria erred by allowing foreign powers into its counterterrorism efforts, claiming that terrorists do not truly fight terrorists, but instead leave civilians dead while pursuing hidden political agendas.

He warned that turning Nigeria into a theatre of war would draw anti-US forces into the country and further destabilise it.

He also cautioned that US involvement—especially under the pretext of protecting Christians—could deepen religious divisions.

According to Gumi, airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism.

He stressed that effective counterterrorism requires coordinated ground operations, noting that Nigeria has sufficient manpower if properly organised.

“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to become a theatre of war, and no nation should allow its neighbours to be its enemies, he said.

He added that if Nigeria seeks military assistance, countries such as China, Turkey, and Pakistan could provide more effective support.